Add some warmth and style to your home by installing a new fireplace

There is nothing nicer than coming home to a roaring fire, especially in winter. So if you want to install a new fireplace in your home or replace your old one, here are some things to consider.

If you have a chimney, then a solid fuel
fireplace could be fitted in your home
C: Robbie1 on Flickr

A fireplace can be a great asset to your home, providing a stylish source of heat and light. If you want a new fireplace you need to consider not only the design, but also what type of fuel will be used to fire it.

Mike Johnson, from English Fireplaces in Hampshire says: “The most popular types of fireplace are gas, then solid fuel such as coal or logs, followed by electric. We supply period and contemporary fireplaces made of marble, limestone and sandstone.”

When it comes to choosing a style, Mike adds: “It depends on what type of room the fireplace is going into, we might show customers photos to help them decide what design they like. "If you’re having trouble deciding what fireplace to go for, here are some of the options:

Electric fireplace

If you don’t have a chimney in your property, then installing an electric fireplace is a good idea. Electric fires give off instant heat, come in a variety of designs and require minimum upkeep. They are simple to install with the help of a professional as they require no remodelling work.

Gas Fireplace

Gas fireplaces are also suitable for properties with no chimney and can be installed almost anywhere. It is essential that you employ a Gas Safe registered engineer to fit your fireplace so that it is installed safely. You should also make sure you have your gas appliances and system checked every year.“We do have clients who want to fit the fireplaces themselves, but we encourage them not to because there are health and safety regulations that you have to abide by, for instance, when connecting to a gas supply, you need a Gas Safe engineer,” Mike explains.

Gas and electric fireplaces are popular
choices and come in a range of styles
C: Robbie1 on Flickr

 

You can buy a direct vent gas fireplace, which will have two pipes, one to vent gas fumes out directly through an external wall and another that uses combustion air from outside. Fireplace inserts are another option; they are fitted into an existing chimney which is then used for venting fumes. An insert is a good option if you want to convert an old fireplace.

Solid fuel (wood, coal)

You need a chimney to have a solid fuel fireplace. If you want to fit a new chimney or flue to a property then you will need to get planning permission and you should make sure that a HETAS registered contractor installs your solid fuel fireplace. HETAS is the official body in the UK which approves solid fuel domestic heating appliances, fuels and services. They will be fully aware of any regulations and be able to fit the fireplace safely.

Gel fireplaces

New carbon neutral fireplaces are now available. Michael Plant, who works for Gel Fireplaces Ltd, states that: “We find there is a fairly big demand for gel fuelled fireplaces because they are a real problem solving product, are eco-friendly and 100% efficient.

”If you don’t have a chimney, or the flue is blocked and a gas or electric fire is too expensive; then a gel fireplace could be the solution. “People often come to us when they have no other fireplace alternative,” explains Michael. As well as being suitable for any home, gel fireplaces are aesthetically pleasing and give off a good amount of heat because none is lost through a chimney. Perhaps the biggest appeal of gel fireplaces is that they can reduce your carbon footprint. Michael says: “We use an alcohol fuel made of plant based ethanol, which doesn’t produce any carbon emissions.”

Fireplace design

Fireplaces can be made from all
kinds of materials; from wood to marble

It is important that your fireplace looks attractive and fits in with the style of your home. Mike Johnson, whose company produce specially carved fireplace designs, says that: “Choosing your fireplace is a very visual thing; we do offer a free consultation service and try to help clients get an idea of what they like.” There are a variety of different designs to choose from, made from materials like: wood, stone, marble, brick, cast iron and limestone.

Cost

The cost of your fireplace will vary depending on what type you go for. You should always consult a fireplace company for costings. Michael, from Gel Fireplaces Ltd states that: “Gel fires cost between £300 and £400, so they may be a bit more expensive than a gas fire, but you don’t have to pay for installation, they just hang on the wall.”

Mike from English Fireplaces, which offers more unique, specialist designs, explains: “It is difficult to cost a new fireplace, but I would say that you should budget to have about £1,000 in your pocket. Marble is probably the most expensive material but then it depends on how big the surround is. Wood is probably the cheapest.”

AB